I just read an interesting statistic: "The sale of clothing for women – sizes 14 and up – is growing by leaps and bounds. That’s because 40 percent of American women are in the plus size range and that number is growing."

So, as I read this, if a woman simply has what is considered normal weight for her age and height, she would have a distinct advantage in getting noticed by men. Not the average weight since the average is obviously going up. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> But, normal, as in what the medical charts have recommended over the years.

I suspect the same is equally true of men. I have seen all to many big bellies on guys, including young ones in their 20's and 30's.

Well, I am glad that women are realizing that skinny is not the same as attractive. I have met many women with very petite figures who are complete witches. Also, I have know women who seem to become more attractive the longer I know them.

Beauty is nice, but I would take a size 14 sweetheart over a size 4 witch in a second.

hmmm... trying hard to decide what to think about your overall post, and this quote in particular.

Skinny and average women usually get noticed first, I think. I appreciate what Aslan said, that character speaks louder than size, as there are plenty of ways to "get noticed" other than how skinny we are. Skinny and average women can fade into the background too. I would be in the category of the "new average" according to the article you are quoting. Woo-hoo!!! Yay! I'll be noticed now! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> No... Despite the stats and the articles, I am fine with who I am anyway, because I know my strengths and character, and they are far and above many skinny and average women out there.

LOL... I'm above average... don't bring me down to average! LOL <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

hmmmmm.... and vice versa.... looking at the men out there, I can look beyond a few extra pounds to see the important stuff on the inside. But hey - they are the new "average"!!! The ones obsessed with looking good are often self-centered and have their priorities all screwed up.

I am glad to hear it, being in possession of more than a few extra pounds. However, I have more women flirt with me as a middle aged, overweight Texas prosecutor than I ever did as a 20 yr old with a 28 inch waist. I am guessing that being able to really listen has made quite a difference.

I just had to say that beauty truly comes from within.
I feel that I am an attractive women and in very good shape but there is more to me than that. I do get the regular cat calls but ya know...I would much rather have a sincere man who can look deeper than that. It's hard to find!
I have met many men who long ago I may not have given the chance but now that I'm older I realize that what's inside is way more important that looks. I think everyone is beautiful in their own way!!!!!
It's all about attitude!!!!!! You have to be happy with yourself no matter what!!!

Of late, I have been medicating with chocolate ice cream. Hey, school started and I have my second conference of the year on Friday - that's just for the son.

For the daughter, I have been talking to police detective, DHS workers, child advocacy workers, psychiatrist, psychologist, assistant principal, guidance counselor, youth minister, my 'Surrender Class' at church, and venting to friends at work about what daughter has been through. Not to mention how much I want to choke the doodoofus (the man formerly known as doofus) because he thinks he's doing what he is supposed to for her but all he's really doing is chauffering her around and paying child support. He's not really there for her.

And I got a promotion and I'm doing the work but having trouble with the organization and there is no system set up to help me with my problems caused by my learning difference and I've had very little training. Just get a word of advice here and there.

I think I need some more ice cream........

This thread makes me curious.I am not sure what the suggestion here is.

I am a size 4 and always have been.I am not a witch either.I exercise and take good care of myself.

The increase in "plus" sizes is related to the burgeoning obesity in society with 1/3rd of americans being obese based on what I know and have researched.I have seen this problem in the clinics I worked at.Health problems abound with being *obese and it is a relatively unknown fact that some companies now are mismarking their sizes to make women feel more comfortable with the clothing items they choose and hence purchase.

I personally don't see any advantage.I agree with the other poster who mentioned that many men look at younger, skinnier women.I see it all the time.I watch men in cars in front of me and they don't look at women on one side of the sidewalk who are overweight and may not have some "hot" outfit on but they certainly do crane their necks at the younger,thinner women almost to the point I have to beep at them to get them going again. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Of course this,and other scenes,are my own personal experience.

I am not attracted at all to unfit men.I prefer someone who takes care of themselves and eats right and is active than to an obese man.Now I may get slammed for this but it's my own choice.Just like there may be something about me that some men don't like and that's ok.It does have more to do with personality to me as well than just size but as we all know,there is usually more than one factor that leads us to be attracted to someone.And it could be one factor that totally turns us off of someone(i.e. smoking for me).

Anyway,I just think with the increase in obese children now making headlines too(including the increased rates of Type 2 diabetes),we have to become a less sedentary society.I also think women still get mixed messages about how they should look,as if I ever cared about what the media and magazines spout forth.Look thin and young and get Botox injected into your face but,wait,it's ok to be yourself,at certain times and venues. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

It's a very confusing time I think for young girls,including my own daughters.We are talking all the time about stereotypes,health and the bombardment of images and other peoples expectations/ideals.

JMHO.

O